The Patriots later tweeted a statement from Belichick. "It was inappropriate for me to contact the official," Belichick said. "I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."

Shanahan was fined $25,000 for berating an official after Washington's loss. Belichick always figured to pay more because of his contact with an official. Belichick said Tuesday that he never meant any disrespect to officials, and he was just looking for an explanation for why Baltimore's last-second field goal was not reviewed.